Begovic could depart Stoke for right price

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has revealed the club will not block an attempt by the Premier League's "top clubs" to sign goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, but admits potential suitors will need to make a significant offer for the Bosnian.

Begovic, 25, has attracted strong interest from Liverpool after a standout season at the Britannia Stadium and the Reds are likely to bid for the Potters glovesman if Pepe Reina departs Anfield.

Chelsea have also shown interest in Begovic and although Stoke insist they are unwilling to sell Bosnia and Herzegovina international, Coates told Sky Sports it would be difficult to pass up a big money offer.

"Asmir is a super professional," he said. "We like him very much. He is a top, top goalkeeper. I think he is as good as anybody in the Premier League.

"But he is also ambitious. If top clubs come for your players, I do not think you can deny them the opportunity. That is my view.

"But it would depend very much on the money being right. We are not looking to sell him. We are not expecting to sell him. We expect him to be our goalkeeper next season."